Academy Football in Wales

The Welsh Football Trust, Football Association of Wales and the Welsh Premier League Panel are committed to a National Player Development structure that gives equal opportunities and choice to players throughout the country. The focus of the programme is the “Player at the Centre”.

These opportunities will be provided and developed within the National Academy structure and will place the welfare of the player as paramount. To ensure this, all Academies will be expected to adopt and operate the FAW Safeguarding Policy.

The Academies will undertake to: -

Adhere and comply with Club Licensing & FAW Academy Regulations.

Operate in an open and transparent manner presenting reports as requested

Ensure the welfare and best interest of the player at all times

Never place undue pressure on any player which may contravene the FAW Safeguarding policy, which can be viewed on www.faw.org.uk

Operate within the annual timetable with regards to Accounting and Auditing procedures as agreed by the League and the FAW.

FAW Academy Review - June 2016

The FAW conducted an Academy Review during the 2015/16 season. The research had included consultation with 21 academy clubs, 20 academy representatives, 19 league secretaries, 7 representatives from four professional clubs in Wales and a representative from the Dutch Football Federation. Ten recommendations were agreed by the FAW in June 2016 and these can be viewed in the document below.